We are excited to celebrate the people behind this year’s most inspiring preservation projects at the 2025 Preservation Awards. Join us on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at The Caz (2221 Seneca Street) to celebrate the region’s most impactful preservation projects at Preservation Buffalo Niagara’s largest fundraiser of the year.
Please note: The Caz will stay open until 8:30 PM for the Afterparty! Enjoy great company and live music for an extra hour — Thank you, Jake!!
For more information on the Preservation Awards, please click here.
To purchase tickets for the Preservation Awards, please click here.
Restoring the Historic Front Doors of a 125-Year-Old Home
Preservation often starts with an unexpected spark. For Seth Amman & Gaia Bistulfi, that moment came with an attempted break-in in November 2023. What began as a stressful event quickly evolved into an opportunity to celebrate the craftsmanship and history of their 125-year-old home, culminating in a remarkable front door restoration that truly honors the past.
They partnered with local craftsman John Gulick and his skilled team on Buffalo’s West Side. The restoration process began with meticulous documentation of the original doors, capturing every design detail to ensure historical accuracy. This close study revealed a key piece of the doors’ story: the originals were crafted from solid mahogany, a wood known for its durability, rich color, and beautiful grain. This discovery set the tone for the project, inspiring a vision for new doors that would remain true to the home’s historic character while incorporating modern enhancements for lasting beauty and function.
Over the next three months, John Gulick’s team skillfully recreated the doors, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary improvements:
- Solid Mahogany Construction – Faithfully recreating the original design, ensuring strength and longevity.
- Modern Weather Stripping and Air Sealing – Enhancing energy efficiency without compromising the historic aesthetic.
- Insulated Glass for Arched Windows – Providing better temperature protection while preserving the iconic look.
- UV-Resistant Natural Sealer – Protecting the stunning grain and deep coloration of the mahogany, ensuring it will endure for decades to come.
The newly crafted doors were installed in March 2024, complete with refinished trim and repairs to the surrounding plaster and lath. The final result is a stunning tribute to the home’s history, revealing intricate details previously obscured by layers of paint and years of wear.
For their commitment to preserving the craftsmanship and architectural heritage of Western New York, we are proud to honor Seth Amman & Gaia Bistulfi, with the 2025 Preservation Award for Preservation Craft.